Whats the smallest ensign I can fly

[steve yates]

and still be legal if crossing the channel?

 

[Arcady]

I’m guessing you might not want it to be any smaller than the courtesy flag you will undoubtedly be flying when going foreign.

 

[Tranona]

There is no legal requirement on size - the only requirement is a means of identifying your flag state. Smallest ensign available is 1/2 yard that is 46*23cm.

 

[benjenbav]

Wear, perhaps.

 

[LittleSister]

There is no legal requirement on size - the only requirement is a means of identifying your flag state. Smallest ensign available is 1/2 yard that is 46*23cm.

A British Ensign can only be measured in yards and inches, surely?

I have one that dinky size (among several larger), but I'm fairly sure I used to have a perhaps even slightly smaller one, with the supported 'leading' edge (I forget the term) tapered inwards towards the bottom (possibly a hanging offence?) as it was flown from the mainsail topping lift of my little 16' 3" centre-boarder. It didn't look unduly small on that boat, and though I never did get to foreign parts in that particular boat (too busy having adventures on our coast!), I don't think for a minute I would have had any trouble abroad with it being considered too small.

 

[Sandy]

A British Ensign can only be measured in yards and inches, surely?

What are these yards and inches you talk about?

 

[Slowboat35]

You sometimes see them not much bigger than postcard sizepainted/stuck on windvanes.

 

[westhinder]

and still be legal if crossing the channel?

Judging by the size of ensign seen on French boats they do not care at all, and I think they are absolutely right.

 

[The Q]

if he's a goin to france , it's Pouce (1.066 Inch), Pied(1.066 Foot), And Toise (6.394Ft)

 

[LONG_KEELER]

Wear, perhaps.

I think if you look hard enough, a temporary Red Ensign tattoo is available that is legally flown on one's forehead.

 

[Minchsailor]

With me, it is usually what is the largest ensign that I can fly?

 

[BobnLesley]

With me, it is usually what is the largest ensign that I can fly?

As opposed to the Dutch and Danes who seem to like ensigns so large they trail in the water.

 

[Resolution]

As opposed to the Dutch and Danes who seem to like ensigns so large they trail in the water.

It is difficult to be proud of having a small one

 

[steve yates]

Thats an interesting idea, flying it off the topping lift. There is a flag halyard up the mast side, I presume thats where the courtesy flag would fly from,can I stick the ensign up there too? presumably below the courtesy flag?

I'd b happy to avoid adding a flagpole to the stern if I could avoid it.

 

[Koeketiene]

I'd b happy to avoid adding a flagpole to the stern if I could avoid it.

I fly my ensign from the backstay.
I find it works well as it's well clear of the windvane selfsteering.

 

[LadyInBed]

Wear, perhaps.

But where? ?

 

[Tranona]

Thats an interesting idea, flying it off the topping lift. There is a flag halyard up the mast side, I presume thats where the courtesy flag would fly from,can I stick the ensign up there too? presumably below the courtesy flag?

I'd b happy to avoid adding a flagpole to the stern if I could avoid it.

The crosstrees is definitely the wrong place - that is for courtesy flag. Ensign on the stern and off the backstay is fine. No need for an ensign staff if you don't want one.

 

[steve yates]

Backstay it is, how does one attach a flag to a stay tho?

 

[Laminar Flow]

Backstay it is, how does one attach a flag to a stay tho?

Clothes pegs. Same as dish rags, socks and other laundry items..

 

[Poignard]

Backstay it is, how does one attach a flag to a stay tho?

Seize a s/s ring to the back stay where you want the head of the ensign to be and a shroud cleat lower down with enough space between so that you can dip it; if you go in for that sort of thing.